Bronny and LeBron James are on the brink of making sports history. The Los Angeles Lakers selected LeBron’s eldest son, Bronny, as the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. If both take the court in the upcoming season, it would mark the first time a father-son duo has played together in the NBA. This event stands as unprecedented in NBA history and has fans eagerly anticipating this unique chapter in the basketball story.
A Unique Moment in NBA History
The prospect of LeBron and Bronny James playing together signals a significant milestone not just for the family, but for the NBA. Pairing up on the court would cement their legacy, reflecting the longevity and prowess of LeBron while highlighting Bronny's emergence as a promising talent. This incredible moment would add to the realm of historic sports families, much like the Nessers in the NFL, the Howes in the NHL, and the Griffeys in MLB.
Historic Father-Son Duos
The concept of father-son duos in professional sports isn’t new but remains rare and remarkable. In the NFL, Ted and Charlie Nesser were the sole father-son duo to have played on the same team, competing for the Columbus Panhandles against the Akron World's Champions in 1921. The Panhandles, later rebranded as the Columbus Tigers, dissolved in 1926, yet the Nessers left an indelible mark. Ted Nesser had six brothers who also played for the Panhandles, making the Nesser family a cornerstone of early NFL history.
In the NHL, Gordie Howe's return to hockey to join his sons Mark and Marty with the World Hockey Association's Houston Aeros in 1973 created a legendary narrative. The trio later transitioned to the NHL's Hartford Whalers in the 1979-80 season. Gordie Howe's contribution remained significant, netting 15 goals and providing 26 assists during that season. Mark Howe's first professional goal, scored exactly 27 years after Gordie’s first with the Detroit Red Wings, encapsulates the Howe family's deep-rooted legacy in ice hockey.
Baseball also has memorable father-son moments. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. played together for the Seattle Mariners from 1990 to 1991, hitting back-to-back home runs on September 14, 1990. Ken Griffey Jr.'s impressive stats during the 1990 season included scoring 91 runs, hitting 22 homers, and maintaining a .300 batting average, showcasing his burgeoning talent under his father’s mentorship.
Similarly, Tim Raines Sr. and Tim Raines Jr. shared the field for the Baltimore Orioles late in the 2001 season, playing together in a special outing on October 4, 2001. The elder Raines took left field while the junior Raines covered center field, demonstrating the unique ability for athletic prowess to span generations.
The NBA Legacy Continues
As LeBron and Bronny James prepare to potentially make their joint debut in the NBA, they join a lineage of notable NBA father-son pairs. These include Greg and Cole Anthony, Mychal and Klay Thompson, Bill and Luke Walton, as well as Dell, Steph, and Seth Curry. Each pair has contributed distinctively to the sport, adding layers of history and achievements. However, none have had the occasion to share the court as teammates in an NBA game, a milestone the James duo is poised to reach.
The potential sight of LeBron, a current NBA icon, playing alongside his son Bronny, brings a new dimension to the narrative of athletic legacies. It’s a testament to LeBron’s sustained excellence and dedication, as well as Bronny’s emerging capabilities and promise. Fans across the globe are not merely witnessing a sporting event but a significant, heartfelt family moment playing out on one of the world’s biggest stages.